LOTS OF DISCOMFORT - PLEASE HELP

I am post op 3 days and am in so much discomfort from the g-tube, it will be in me until Jan 3rd, am I going to be in this much pain until then? Joanne

So sorry you are having a problem with that horrid g-tube. My surgeon had us wear it for 5 weeks. We were to use it for meds, protien and water. Many times people run in to problems because they can not take the necessary things by mouth. Try repositioning your tube. That may help.

hey joanne, I used a lot of tape and gause. I stretched the tube along my stomach horizontally and let only the open part hang. It releves a lot of the pressure off your stomach. Line it with gause and put the tape over it. Leaving the drippy part to hang. Do not lay on your side. Surround your body in pillows. The tube is very uncomfortable. I held the drippy part when standing. It did leak on my shirt often. Once it is out, you will feel free. Drain it every chance you get. I also put a rubber band around it - bending the line to keep it from dripping and alleving pressure. Play with it and keep the base clean with anti biotic cream. As you heal it gets better. Take your pain medicine. Don't act strong. You will only feel better from it. email me at home. Lisa G.

Congratulations on your surgery!!! I just read your profile, I had the same thing happen to me - waited all day and finally had surgery at 7pm!! Very long, thirsty day!!! I don't know about the g tube though? Is that different from the jaxson pratt drain? I sure hope the time goes by quickly for you and you can get that removed lickety-split!! Much love, Carol V

Carol, the JP drain is just that, a drain that takes stuff out of the body using a very passive vacuum. It's very small. A G-tube is a gastric tube (bigger than a JP drain) that is used to relieve gas from the old stomach, and also for nutrition if you can't do it by mouth. You can put crushed meds into a G-tube and also water or protein shakes. Typically a JP drain might stay in for a week and in some cases (such as severe strokes) a G-tube could be a permanent thing! After WLS surgery, though, G-tubes usually come out anywhere (depending on the surgeon) from 1 to 6 weeks. Jan

Are you taking your pain medication? If not, give that a try. Also pillows are your friend. Things will get better, are you draining your gt everyday? Is the pain at the site near your skin? Check that it doesn't look infected, it will look red though. But try some pain medication. Hugging you from afar, you'll make it through girlfriend, and it will get better. Blessings, Tami

Joanne, I had the same experience. I felt pain beneath my ribs with the g-tube. I let the Dr. know at my 1 week post op visit and they let a small amount of air out of the ballon holding it in, which helped some. Also, try taping it in different directions to see what is most comfortable. Call your dr. I survived 4 weeks with that horrid thing Good luck, it gets better every day. Just keep walking, and also allow your body to rest. My prayers go out to you~ Hugs, Dru 254/143 below goal

I remember that at 3 days out, my G tube was still very uncomfortable. Now I am 13 days out and still a little uncomfortable, but can't call it pain. So time will take care of a little of that pain. Hugs for you, Carol

Hi Joanne! My thoughts and prayers are with you, I know exactly how aggrevating that G-tube is, out of the whole surgery, it was the most annoying thing I remember and the thing I hated the most. I used lots of gauze to cushion around the tube, rolled the gauze lengthwise and just wrapped it around the tube till it was between the skin and the tube totally cushioned, even tucked a little into the hole between the opening and the tube itself. I wore loose, loose clothing so I wouldn't have anything tugging on it, DONT lay on your side, the skin moving and all makes it even worse. Stay on your back, in a recliner, if at all possible. I couldn't tape mine on my belly or lay it against my body, it was too annoying. I just let it stick out and covered it with a very large shirt till I got to have it taken out. Hang in there, I know this is the worst time. You shouldnt be in pain from it after a few times, dont tug on it too much, and if it seems to ooze yellow stuff, a little bit, slimey, its ok, just shouldnt get totally red all around it < a little pink is ok > and start oozing a LOT !!!! It will also get a bit crusty ( yuck, I know ! ) or start smelling gross. Just call your doc if it gets scary to you, just wanted u to know what to expect and DONT hesitate calling your physician if it doesnt seem right to you, okay???? I promise, it'll get better, just hang in there, Jan3rd will be here before you know it {{{{{hugs}}}}} ~Andie~